SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

V

CHAPTER V: Regrets

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Haechan sat in his study, the weight of regret pressing heavily on his shoulders. Mark, his steadfast friend and confidant, entered the room with a concerned expression.

"Hey, Haechan," Mark began gently, taking a seat across from him. "You've seemed really down lately. Is something bothering you?"

Haechan sighed, his fingers tracing the rim of an empty glass absentmindedly. "It's... it's just that I can't stop thinking about what I did to Areum. I hurt her, hyung. And now, looking back, I can't believe how thoughtless and selfish I was"

Mark leaned forward, his voice filled with empathy. "It's never easy to face our mistakes, Haechan. But acknowledging them is a step towards growth. And also, you had you reasons back then"

Haechan's brows furrowed as he shook his head. "I know, but I can't shake this feeling of guilt. I wish I could go back in time and make things right"

Mark placed a reassuring hand on Haechan's shoulder. "I get it, I really do. But remember, you can't change the past. What you can do is learn from it and make amends if the opportunity arises"

Haechan's gaze met Mark's, searching for solace. "Do you think I'm a bad person?"

Mark's expression softened. "No, Haechan. People make mistakes. It's part of being human. What matters is how you choose to grow and evolve. If you genuinely regret your actions and want to be better, that's a sign of your character"

A hint of hope flickered in Haechan's eyes. "You really think so?"

Mark nodded, a small smile forming. "Absolutely. Just remember, it's never too late to change, to mend relationships, and to become the person you aspire to be"

As the two friends shared a meaningful moment, Haechan felt a glimmer of relief wash over him. Mark's words provided a comforting anchor amidst his sea of regrets, a reminder that the path to redemption was still within reach.

"Why the sudden thought of her?" Mark was curious because he's never mentioned her after they broke up

"I met her last night, hyung" Haechan said and watched as Mark's expression turned into a shocked one

"What? How and why?" Mark asked

"Long story but my dad and her dad are planning a wedding for us"

Haechan's answer made Mark even more shocked than he already is

-

In the ill-lighted confines of an abandoned warehouse, Areum and Yoona honed their shooting skills, the distant echoes of gunshots punctuating the air.

As the acrid scent of gunpowder hung around them, Yoona turned to her friend with a concerned look in her eyes.

"Areum," She began hesitantly, adjusting her grip on the firearm, "What happened with your dad last night?"

Areum's expression tightened briefly before she exhaled slowly, her focus momentarily shifting from the target.

"It's... complicated. He wants me to marry Haechan so Song Shadows and Lee Syndicate can be allies. And I told him that i'm not marrying him, hence the argument in my room last night"

Yoona stared at her in shock "Haechan is the son of Lee Syndicate?! How did we not know that?"

Areum shot, scoring a bullseye "I dont know. But what I do know is that i'm not marrying him. I don't want to get hurt again by him, even though I know the marriage is just for both groups to be allied"

A hint of frustration creased Areum's brow "I get that it's for the best of Song Shadows, but it's frustrating when he doesn't see the passion I have for this, the drive to prove myself. We can make things better by ourselves, being allies with them is not the only way" Areum added

Yoona nodded, her tone thoughtful. "It's important to follow your heart and pursue your dreams, Areum. But maybe finding a way to communicate with him, to show him your ideas and perspective, could maybe change his mind about it"

Areum's grip on the gun relaxed as she met Yoona's gaze, gratitude mingling with determination in her eyes "Unnie, you know how my dad is right? It's impossible to talk to him"

Yoona sighed, feeling sorry for her best friend. The two friends resumed their shooting practice shortly after. Yoona's unwavering understanding offered a glimmer of hope that even amidst the chaos around Areum, atleast she has Yoona by her side.

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